[Pictures: David Straight]
We’ve taken some artistic licence with the name of this place. In English it’s called “Tasty Takeaway” which dates from when this really was some low-level takeout joint. But Chinese friends assure us the Mandarin sign in the window means Little Fatty: shengjian mantou, pot-sticker buns native to Shanghai. We discovered them in Shanghai last year, came home obsessed and went looking for a local outlet.
We found them here. There’s barely an English menu and the staff are consistently bemused to see a white face, although they are very friendly. There is always Chinese television blaring in the corner – recently, we watched a talent show, entranced, while we ate. (You’ll be relieved to know that despite the bare-bones environs, the place has an “A” hygiene rating.)
Little Fatty has many things on the menu: most are pretty good – we’re quite fond of the curry beef noodle soup ($9). But you’re really here for shengjian, or more prosaically, “fried pork bun” ($4 for four). They are a bit bready rather than delicate, and they have pork and stock inside – to make them, they fill the raw bun mixture with chilled stock and pork, which is jelly-like. Then they’re fried in a big cast-iron wok, so that they’re steamed on top and crispy brown on the bottom. The genius is that as they’re fried, the stock melts so inside, there is a bit of hot soup on which you may or may not burn your mouth. Technically they’re for breakfast, but you can eat them at any time of day and we suggest you do. SFG
HOURS 11am to midnight, seven days.
ADDRESS 898 New North Road, Mount Albert.
OF NOTE Cash only – there’s an ASB cash machine across the road.
12 Comments
Chinese noodle in new lynn is also great! cheap and an A rating! terrible decor, tv blaring hardly any english but yummy food!
That sounds fab! Where in New Lynn is it and what should we order?
Yes please Jess. As Westie dweller I too would love the street address! Apparently good Vietnamese on Delta Ave too? Anyone know?
Good to know for next time I’m in the neighbourhood, there’s not much more I love in this world than pork buns.
Chinese Noodles is at 3138 Great Nth Road / New Lynn. Had the fried pork dumplings for lunch – $8 gets you 15. Very fresh dumplings, a light/thin dough and nicely seasoned filling. A more subtle version of Barilla’s dumplings, and dare I say it, better. More limited menu however, and didn’t spy any side dishes that could stand up to the French Beans from Barilla.
Better than Barilla! Big call. We’ll have to check it out. We like a limited menu – too many Chinese restaurants have long menus when in fact they do a few things well. Thanks all.
We went to ‘Little Fatty’ tonight and I am absolutely stuffed. The pork buns were amazing!
Also, we went with a largish group (8 people) the staff were extremely lovely, and slightly overwhelmed at so many westerners in their shop.
I would like to make a correction to your review though, the restaurant is is 898 New North rd (not Mt Albert rd).
Great to hear Tim, and thanks for pointing out the error.
Kung Fu Noodle opposite Barilla also deserves a mention, they serve northern Chinese food which is rare in Auckland. The ‘kung fu’ noodles are stretched by hand- try the lamb and cumin. Delicious!
We’ve heard! Will be sure to check it out – thanks for the recommendation, and the advice on what to order. What else is good there?
Vietnamese in New Lynn is Halong on Delta ave. Although they could do wih using more fresh herbs it is very satisfying and cheap. Wonton soup (best hangover cure ever) chicken and ginger on rice and spring rolls never fail to please.
Thanks Donna, went to Halong a long time ago but must check it out again. Some good eating in those parts these days.
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